The shops are full of new spring fashions tempting us all to dump the winter shrouds and get into something bright and colourful as we warm up for summer.
Just as we make-over the wardrobe for spring, so, too, can we indulge in a little fashion upgrade in the garden.
Annuals are a simple, easy and temporary way of transforming your dated winter garden into a new and different look for the trendier summer months.
And now, according to our gardening expert, Henri Ham of Awapuni Nurseries, is the perfect time to plant.
"The warm soil and light rains that come with spring," says Henri, "create ideal conditions for giving annuals the kick start they need."
To really move things along, Henri suggests mixing nitrophoska blue or garden galore fertiliser through lightly composted soil to a depth of 200mm.
Awapuni has a wide selection of annuals available in their Traditional Value and Pop'n'Grow ranges.
"They are simple and easy to grow, require little space, and bring plenty of colour to your garden for summer."
The annuals you choose to grow will depend on where you plan to plant your new garden. For example there are several Pop'n'Grow varieties that are perfect for planting in either shady or sunny positions.
For an awe-inspiring garden set in the shade, Henri recommends planting wallflowers at the back, impatients in the centre and using lobelia for the border.
"This selection of plants works really well together," says Henri. "The combination of the tall wallflowers and the shorter impatients and lobelia creates an attractive and eye-catching height graduation."
All annuals come with height indications and plant spacing recommendations on the packet.
"Don't be afraid to mix things up a little and plant herbs amongst your annuals," says Henri.
For those who tend to steer away from up-to-the-minute fashion trends and prefer a more timeless look, Henri recommends planting iceberg roses and lavender with your annuals. This will create a more classic style.
"The iceberg is a great bush rose that will add depth and substance to your garden and the white flowers and green shrubbery create a fantastic contrast with the vibrant colours of the annuals."
Alternatively, for a stunning garden set in the sun, a good plant combination and design could include planting delphiniums and fox gloves at the back, lupin, echinopes and polemonium in the centre and shastha daisy and petunia in the border.
If updating your accessories rather than a complete wardrobe make-over is more your style, potted annuals could be just the answer.
"Annuals are wonderful for planting in and around pots," says Henri.
"Brighten up your potted shrubs and natives by planting annuals around the base of the pot. Or change the look of your verandas, porches and balconies, by planting vividly coloured annuals in pots."
Planting pots is also a great activity in which to involve kids.
"Small clay pots can be found at most garden centres and when combined with colourful paints can keep even the most excitable child busy.
"Once they are finished creating their masterpiece, you can teach them how to plant and care for a petunia for example. This is a good, hardy plant with which children can experiment."
To make sure your new look doesn't become staid and dated, remember to remove the flower heads throughout the season and mulch lightly around the plants.
This will keep the annuals producing flowers, and will retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Henri also recommends checking the soil before watering and placing slug baits around the bases - this will prevent plants being eaten.
"And lastly, sit back and enjoy your new-look garden - now's the time to think about what you're going to plant next year!"
